Avatar: The Last Airbender

This is not about the movie where blue people appear, but a cartoon from Nickelodeon. Not really an anime but a cartoon that does need to be praised. Interesting is the show is strongly "Chinese" based, from the writing to the setting. The plot is about a boy who is an Avatar, person who is master of all four elements and brings peace to the world. With his friends he tries to master the elements to bring peace to end a 100 year war.



Aang

Frozen for around a 100 years, Aang still acts and looks like a 12 year old. A happy and naive boy, he is an airbender who must master the four elements to bring peace to the world. Even though he has a great responsibility, he is wise to know that violence is not the answer. However, he struggles to make decisions between his beliefs and the world's future.

Katara

The young and mature waterbender who has always held her mother dear to her. She really acts like the motherly type, but she is also a strong fighter. As she knows more about the world, she tries to make sure there is equality for everyone. She never turns her back on people who need her and shows kindness towards everyone, almost.

Sokka

The man with all the jokes, he brings the comedy in the show, which is greatly appreciated. Even though he does not have any special bending, he is a strong warrior. Using his wits and mastery of weapons to fight his enemies. Overall, when the situation gets dire, he can become a great leader who always has a strategy or plan.

Zuko

The hot headed fire bender who is in search for the Avatar. A prince who was banished from his homeland, he tries to get his honor back. As the plot develops, he is so entrapped by his faults, he fails to see what is before him. But everything about him will soon change. Pretty much he is a teen who learns and figures out who he is.

Toph

The dirt loving blind girl, she comes from a prestigious family who treats her like a helpless girl. Even though her parents tries to confine her she somehow the strongest of earth benders. After going with the Avatar on his adventure, she struggles to be part of the group or with others. This may be due to her inexperience or stubbornness, but she proves to be an irreplaceable ally.

There are man more characters in the story, however, these are the characters that the story focuses on. But each characters has an importance in the plot. Really, there are so many characters that a variety of people will like.

The animation of the show is very nice. There are some scene where the animation is WTFudge. Example 1: Aang is running from the Unagi. And more. But as the episodes progresses, it gets better and better. Also the scenery is nice, matching the era and setting. However, there are times where the background looks similar to a rushed painting. Also, the action scene are done superb. Scenes are fluid and actually capable for human beings, except for the bending concept. Really the actions scenes are amazingly awesome. And most of the moves are not redundant so you probably won't see the same sequence.

The voice actors are pretty good. They are actually played by children or "young adults". So a 12 year old is played by Aang. Which I see that it is well done. They really do not seem like amateurs, a well done cast. Also they cherish their cast: the voice actor for Iroh passed away before the completion of Avatar. As a result, they made a dedication on the episodes and replace him with an equally good voice actor.

Music is well done for the show. The music was more of a traditional, which was also well done. Even though there are no opening or ending songs, the music is simple to appreciate. I really love how the music seems a more traditional Chinese song, like from those history shows and such. Overall, the music and timing was well done.

The only flaw I have with the show is that the jokes may be redundant and overplayed. As a result, the show may be seen as immature. Also some of the episodes can be a bit tiring, so don't expect a great episode one after the other. You can really tell when you watch "The Ember Island Players".

This is a good show for everyone to watch, no matter the age. A beautiful animation where the action is done well. Not only is the characters well developed but the plot is as well. If you have second thoughts because its from Nickelodeon, just watch it. It is such an amazing show that many people adore.

Not only is this show great but it shed some light on segregation, how each tribe is on it's own. In a way each nation reminds me of an Asian country. Fire is Japan, Earth is China, Thailand, Korea. Water is Eskimos and Air are Monks. Each specialize in a martial art, has different culture, etc. However, the cartoon shows that we are all the same. These differences are actual an illusion. And in a way, the show talks about being yourself and that not meeting other standards is not so bad. Take Aang and Zuko for example.